MLB News

Pence falls on rear, makes catch of year?

By
Justin WiseMLB.com

SAN FRANCISCO -- Hunter Pence delivered plenty of theatrics in the Giants' 8-5 series-opening loss to the Pirates on Monday night.

After Pittsburgh second baseman Josh Harrison skied a ball into foul territory in the top of the fourth, Pence sprinted toward the visiting bullpen down the right-field line before stumbling to the dirt. He never lost sight of the ball, though, and made a miraculous catch while lying on his back to end the inning.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Hunter Pence delivered plenty of theatrics in the Giants' 8-5 series-opening loss to the Pirates on Monday night.

After Pittsburgh second baseman Josh Harrison skied a ball into foul territory in the top of the fourth, Pence sprinted toward the visiting bullpen down the right-field line before stumbling to the dirt. He never lost sight of the ball, though, and made a miraculous catch while lying on his back to end the inning.

His defensive performance made up for a baserunning blunder he committed in the third. Pence had raced from first to third following an Eduardo Nunez double. However, he rounded third too hard and was tagged out while diving back to the bag.

Pence is now hoping his production at the plate can begin to match his defensive exploits. He is batting .200 (12-for-60) since returning from the disabled list July 30, with three RBIs. Pence went 1-for-4 with one RBI on Monday.